Contra Costa Herald

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The rescued boater, second from left, with his rescuers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit. photo courtesy of CCCSheriff’s Office

The Office of the Sheriff Marine Services Unit on Saturday morning, April 30, located a missing jet-skier on Browns Island near Pittsburg. He had been overdue for some time. Because of 5-6 foot swells, 40 mile per hour wind gusts and shallow waters, it was difficult for any vessel to get to the boater.

Fortunately, a work boat from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was nearby and was able to get to the boater. The boater and his vessel were taken back to shore. Other than being cold, he did not need any medical attention.

A U.S. Marshals’ Fugitive Task Force and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Warrant Service Unit last Monday, May 2, 2016 arrested 20-year-old Marshon Ardoin of Dixon in connection to a Bay Point homicide.

On April 14, 2016, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of an injured person on the ground in the area of Driftwood Drive and Port Chicago Highway in Bay Point. Deputies found 28-year-old David Mallard of Richmond unresponsive and began CPR. Mallard was pronounced deceased by the Fire Department. It was later discovered that Mallard had been shot.

Detectives from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office identified Ardoin as the suspect in this case. There was a warrant for his arrest. Detectives believe Mallard was murdered in Richmond and his body was placed at that location in Bay Point.

Ardoin is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in lieu of $1 million bail.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at 925-313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.ccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Professional wrestling promotion Beachslam kicked off its second season Saturday, April 16, at Sonja’s Country Inn in Knightsen in front of approximately 120 spectators.

Beachslam is affiliated with a popular promotion in Oakland called Hoodslam that regularly welcomes an audience of 1,000-1,500 people; which is almost unheard of for an independent show that does not tour.

The matchcard featured top local draws such as Rick-Scott Stoner and “Ultra Girl” Brittany Wonder, whom teamed up with Christian Sky for the first round of a trios tournament. The loudest crowd pop of the night came when Stoner lifted one of his opponents, Bobby Burgerhands, in the air for a Last Ride powerbomb and was followed by a top rope seated senton from Wonder, which finished the match via pinfall.

“We’ve never done it before. We talked about it. We came up with the idea, but it always ended up getting scrapped,” Wonder said about the finishing move. “That was the first Turn Down for Butt from the shoulders.”

The rest of the card resulted in Sideshow Joel, Marcus Eriks and Trent Hemorrage defeating heel stable The Berkeley Banditos, C.A.U.T.I.O.N. putting over Hayward Heat, and Zangief winning a fatal four-way match. The host of the evening was AJ Kirsch, who is best known as a cast member of WWE’s reality competition show Tough Enough in 2011.

Beachslam is only for adults 21 years old and up. Although pro wrestling has generally been family friendly throughout its history, the owners decided to target an adult consumership to separate themselves from the competition. Beachslam originated in Santa Cruz in 2015, but relocated to Sonja’s Country Inn due to conflict of interest with the venue. For the second season there will be shows every second Saturday of the month.

Stockton – Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of the Northern California Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney in California’s 9th District.

“Taxpayers deserve the best quality at the best price,” said Michele Daugherty, President and CEO of ABC NorCal. “Kathryn Nance is a strong supporter of fair and open competition. The Associated Builders and Contractors and its close to 500 Northern California contractor members look forward to working with Kathryn Nance to promote new jobs and get our local economy moving again,”

Today ABC NorCal represents close to 500 companies across Northern California and trains over 300 apprentices per year in its five state and federally approved apprenticeship programs. Members and their employees are also offered Construction Craft Training, Green and Renewable Energy Training, Management and Supervisory Education, Safety, and Labor Compliance.

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19 year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units.

She is married to her husband of 10 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 23. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also serves as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

The 9th Congressional District includes parts of Eastern Contra Costa County, plus most of San Joaquin County and a small portion of Sacramento County.

Doug Hardcastle is the best candidate for the job of Contra Costa County Supervisor. He is an all-around upstanding citizen and servant to his country and community. Doug served his country in the military; public office in his community, and owns a business in the county.

Doug is a proven leader and is not afraid to take on the tough issues. His combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa is unsurpassed by no other candidate.

Doug Hardcastle has been the first candidate to take immediate action on the incumbent by speaking out against the 33% pay increase that she voted to give herself. This was one example of continued wasteful spending by the county. Fortunately, the incumbent backed out before the increase could be put in place.

We need to elect Doug Hardcastle June 7th, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

The six candidates for county supervisor representing East County’s District 3 agreed on the need to protect the Delta and improve public safety and transportation at a recent League of Women Voters debate. They differed, however, in their priorities if given the opportunity to replace Mary Piepho, who is not running for re-election after 11 year on the Board of Supervisors.

Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr said his top priority, based on what he’s heard from his constituents, is public safety. “We’ve always maintained our police force at a level to keep our community safe,” he said. “And that starts at the county with the county sheriff.”

To provide that level of safety in the unincorporated areas of the county, compensation for sheriff’s deputies needs to be increased, he said. “I’ve looked at those budgets and where the pay rates are, and they are not meeting the needs of the residents of the county,” said Barr.

East Bay Regional Park District board member Diane Burgis, who is also a former Oakley City Council member and executive director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, is focused on environmental issues. Like the other candidates, she believes the Delta’s water quality will suffer if the state goes through with its plan to construct tunnels siphoning water from north of the Delta and sending it to central and southern California.

“District 3 deserves and needs a county supervisor that’s going to be a champion for the Delta, and make sure that we are a voice making sure that Delta tunnel is not built and our water is protected,” said Burgis.

Oakley City Councilman Doug Hardcastle’s main focus is fiscal responsibility in government. Like many, he was outraged when the supervisors approved a $32,000 pay raise for themselves before being pressured to reduce it to a 12 percent pay hike.

“I will bring more financial stability” if elected, Hardcastle said. “Not to go after people’s wages or anything, but there’s always waste. [We need to] look at it like you would your own house or whatever. You’re going to make that dollar go as best you can. You’re not going to be frivolous with your own money. We’ve got to treat that money like our money and not government money.”

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, who is a former Tracy police officer, shares Barr’s interest in improving public safety by increasing compensation for sheriff’s deputies and firefighters.

“[I’m] seeing we don’t have enough firefighters, we don’t have enough fire stations to cover 250 square miles, over 100,000 people,” said Harper. “Looking at the police out there, knowing the sheriff’s department is going to be used as a training ground because they don’t have the proper pay and benefits.”

Antioch’s rate of violent crime is nearly twice as high as the California average, according to Neighborhood Scout. Harper acknowledged that the increase in low-income Section 8 housing in the city has contributed to the problem.

“There’s a need not only for affordable housing, but for safe housing,” he said.

Odessa Lefrancois, president of the East County Branch of the NAACP for six years, and a retired Navy veteran who works for the county as a respiratory therapist, wants more governmental social service programs in East County.

“I’ve sat back and looked at the county, studied the budget and kind of realized that a lot of the resources, especially after I moved out to far East Contra Costa County, haven’t been allocated out in that area,” she said. “When I … see how people are treated in one part of the county versus another part of the county, and we’re all paying property taxes, and we don’t have the same resources, and people are actually sitting on Highway 4 a lot longer. We’re not able to live, play and worship in a community that we actually would like to be in.”

Antioch City Councilwoman Monica Wilson shares Lefrancois’ desire to increase government services in East County.

“I believe that it’s time for East Contra Costa to have the access to job training, affordable health care, education, economic development,” she said. “[H]ow do we support [East County’s] industry and make sure that they are surviving, that they can hire more? And also look at industries such as advanced manufacturing, biomedical and energy. And finally, people want to come home to safe communities. They want to come home, raise their kids, have a wonderful life and still feel safe.”

The candidates also had varying stories of how they decided to run for office.

Barr said a friend suggested he apply for a vacancy on the school board, which he did and then was elected to another term. “I think my ability to work with people, solve problems and with my financial background, I made a good candidate,” he said. “And that’s why I’m in politics today and serve now on the City Council.”

Burgis said that she is a divorced mother of three boys under 10. “[A]nd I wanted to live in a place that I could be proud of, where they would be safe and they could go to good schools,” she said. “The reason why I’m running for county supervisor is that I have this regional experience. I have this really strong experience with the Delta. I have strong shoulders, a compassionate heart, I’m really smart and I want to make a difference in my community.”

Hardcastle said he was motivated to run after a confrontation with Piepho over the supervisors’ initial pay raise.

“When the Board of Supervisors voted to give themselves a $30,000 a year raise, I was furious,” he said. “I told one of the supervisors that I serve on many boards [with that I] was going to run against this person. She said, ‘Well, why?’ I said, ‘I think you’ve lost touch with the people that you’re supposed to serve.’ When we take a position in public service, it’s service. It’s not to make ourselves any better, not to financially make our lives better. It’s to serve the people out there. So, like I said, when they voted for the $30,000 a year raise, I said, ‘You’ve lost touch because there’s a lot of people that you serve that don’t even make $30,000 a year.

Harper said his motivation for running for office is simple.

“I just want to help people,” he said. “I’ve never lost an election. When you win an election they call you a politician. I don’t want to be a politician. I just want to help people. I served in law enforcement for 24 years. I started off as a police dispatcher, worked my way up through the ranks. I volunteered for the school attendance review board for the high school. I’m now teaching part-time at the local high school. And I’m training up the next generation of police officers. My family was in ministry. I am a minister. And it is in my heart to help people.”

Lefrancois said there are two types of people in the world – doers and complainers – and she’s the former.

“I learned a long time ago that you can sit around and complain about things, or you can be somebody that actually makes things happen,” she said. “Twenty-one years I spent on active duty in the military, and that’s the lesson that I learned. I think I bring leadership and accountability, responsibility and a dedication to make something happen. Because it isn’t about me. It’s about making sure that every resident out in far East Contra Costa has a say in how their dollars are spent and what type of life they should have.”

Wilson got involved after struggling during the Great Recession.

“Back in the early ‘70s when my parents moved to the Bay Area, they were able to buy a home, raise three kids and had jobs that paid affordable wages,” she said. “Fast forward 2008, I go to buy my home, two weeks later the economy crashed, I lose my job. I used a lot of my savings to keep myself afloat. So I got involved in my community. I eventually was appointed to the Economic Development Commission.

“And then eventually I ran for the City Council. I ran for a seat I wasn’t supposed to win. And I went out there and I worked really hard to let the community know who I was and I was serious about running. I now currently work for the Workforce Development Board. I work with a lot of people in the community ranging from 16 all the way up to people in their 60s and 70s making sure that they have job training available to them so they can get jobs that pay them livable wages.”

The entire candidates’ forum can be viewed on Contra Costa TV. CCTV is available to AT&T U-verse customers on Channel 99, on Channel 27 for Comcast customers and on Channel 32 for Wave customers in Concord. Following is the schedule for the remainder of May: Sundays at 9:00 AM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, Wednesdays at 12:00 PM and Fridays at 3:00 PM.

The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the top two face off in the General Election in November.

Nearly two hundred people joined the East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) in Concord on Friday to celebrate the 16th Annual Small Business Awards in conjunction with National Small Business Week.

The Awards were hosted by the EBLC, along with Title Sponsor Wells Fargo, and honored twelve small businesses selected by their local Chamber of Commerce that exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, hard work, and community.

“Today we honor a law firm, two auto shops, a theater company, a pharmacy, a clothing boutique, and many more. Each different but all grounded in the desire to help the community,” said Kristin Connelly, President & CEO of the EBLC. “The diversity represented by these businesses highlight the diversity that makes the East Bay so dynamic.”

See the entire list, below.

Honorees were recognized for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, enduring a recession thanks to sheer determination and brilliant marketing, providing much needed services to the vulnerable, bringing world class performances to our backyard, getting to know each of their customers by name, serving the best pasta in town, and caring deeply for the communities they serve.

We are thankful to have many innovative businesses and growing opportunities here in the East Bay—something recognized by Alex Wilcox, the CEO of JetSuite, who provided the event’s keynote address.

JetSuite X, the newly-established program of JetSuite, chose Concord’s Buchanan Field as the location to help launch their new service.

“By far, the East Bay opened its arms the widest,” said Wilcox. “The community made clear that they wanted JetSuite X here and they did everything they could to help us bring commercial flights to Concord after more than 20 years.”

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier also took the stage and shared his unique perspective as both a longtime elected official and a former small business owner.

“Small businesses create more than 50 percent of the jobs in California, but they are also a very important part of the cohesiveness of a healthy community,” said Congressman DeSaulnier as he reflected on his time managing restaurants across the Bay Area.

The EBLC could not agree more with Congressman DeSaulnier. These determined, creative, and community-driven businesses make the East Bay an incredible place to live and work and we were thrilled to help honor them.

“And though she be little, she be fierce,” said Honoree Susie Falk of the California Shakespeare Theater during her acceptance speech.

A line worth repeating as Small Business Week comes to a close and we continue to honor the small businesses that make such a big difference in our community every day of the year.

ABOUT THE EAST BAY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) is a private-sector, public-policy organization that advocates on issues affecting economic vitality and quality of life and represents leaders of business, industry, education, government, and the nonprofit community. For more information visit www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com.

On Thursday, U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA11), issued the following statement about his personal health.

“Last summer, I was diagnosed with the most common leukemia in the world, a cancer named Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). I recently completed aggressive chemotherapy. I feel fortunate that I had a positive response to this treatment, and that neither CLL nor the treatment impacted my professional work.

CLL is a chronic disorder many Americans face, which doctors liken to diabetes and hypertension. While CLL cannot currently be completely cured, incredible breakthroughs, medical advancements and cutting edge therapies are allowing it to be managed over a lifetime. As a result of these developments, there are approximately 1.2 million Americans, like myself, living long, full lives with blood cancer.

Before sharing my diagnosis, I had much to consider personally and professionally. My doctors assured me that people with CLL, myself included, could continue to work and function at a high level. The medical professionals were right; I have been able to go home every weekend, except one, logging over 170,000 miles flown, held 14 town halls, had meetings with thousands of constituents, and maintained a 99.1% voting average in my first session of Congress.

By publicly sharing my story, I hope to add my voice to the growing number of people fighting cancer and the other chronic conditions so many families confront. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of our district, and do so stronger and with a better understanding having faced this experience.”

DeSaulnier represents most of Contra Costa County in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of California Congresswoman Mimi Walters in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.

“California needs capable leaders with the knowledge and experience to get things done in Congress. That’s why I’m proud to endorse and support Kathryn Nance in California’s 9th Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Walters. “Her lifelong ties to her district, as well as her 19 years of experience with the Stockton Police Department, widely known as one of the toughest beats in the state, give her the experience to represent her district effectively as well as the backbone to stand up to D.C special interests. I need a partner in Congress who will work to get things done, and that’s why Kathryn Nance has my full support.”

Walters was elected to Congress in 2014 to represent California’s 45th Congressional District, and was subsequently elected by her colleagues as the Freshman Class Representative to the House Republican Conference leadership team.

The 9th Congressional District encompasses the majority of San Joaquin County, most of Eastern Contra Costa County and the City of Galt in Sacramento County.

“I am honored to have the support of Congresswoman Mimi Walters and looking forward to working with her in Congress,” said Nance. “From agriculture to terrorism, Jerry McNerney has represented liberal out of touch values for far too long. I will be the common sense voice this District wants and needs.”

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19-year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units. She is married to her husband of 11 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 24. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also served as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

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The rescued boater, second from left, with his rescuers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit. photo courtesy of CCCSheriff’s Office

The Office of the Sheriff Marine Services Unit on Saturday morning, April 30, located a missing jet-skier on Browns Island near Pittsburg. He had been overdue for some time. Because of 5-6 foot swells, 40 mile per hour wind gusts and shallow waters, it was difficult for any vessel to get to the boater.

Fortunately, a work boat from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was nearby and was able to get to the boater. The boater and his vessel were taken back to shore. Other than being cold, he did not need any medical attention.

A U.S. Marshals’ Fugitive Task Force and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Warrant Service Unit last Monday, May 2, 2016 arrested 20-year-old Marshon Ardoin of Dixon in connection to a Bay Point homicide.

On April 14, 2016, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of an injured person on the ground in the area of Driftwood Drive and Port Chicago Highway in Bay Point. Deputies found 28-year-old David Mallard of Richmond unresponsive and began CPR. Mallard was pronounced deceased by the Fire Department. It was later discovered that Mallard had been shot.

Detectives from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office identified Ardoin as the suspect in this case. There was a warrant for his arrest. Detectives believe Mallard was murdered in Richmond and his body was placed at that location in Bay Point.

Ardoin is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in lieu of $1 million bail.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at 925-313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.ccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Professional wrestling promotion Beachslam kicked off its second season Saturday, April 16, at Sonja’s Country Inn in Knightsen in front of approximately 120 spectators.

Beachslam is affiliated with a popular promotion in Oakland called Hoodslam that regularly welcomes an audience of 1,000-1,500 people; which is almost unheard of for an independent show that does not tour.

The matchcard featured top local draws such as Rick-Scott Stoner and “Ultra Girl” Brittany Wonder, whom teamed up with Christian Sky for the first round of a trios tournament. The loudest crowd pop of the night came when Stoner lifted one of his opponents, Bobby Burgerhands, in the air for a Last Ride powerbomb and was followed by a top rope seated senton from Wonder, which finished the match via pinfall.

“We’ve never done it before. We talked about it. We came up with the idea, but it always ended up getting scrapped,” Wonder said about the finishing move. “That was the first Turn Down for Butt from the shoulders.”

The rest of the card resulted in Sideshow Joel, Marcus Eriks and Trent Hemorrage defeating heel stable The Berkeley Banditos, C.A.U.T.I.O.N. putting over Hayward Heat, and Zangief winning a fatal four-way match. The host of the evening was AJ Kirsch, who is best known as a cast member of WWE’s reality competition show Tough Enough in 2011.

Beachslam is only for adults 21 years old and up. Although pro wrestling has generally been family friendly throughout its history, the owners decided to target an adult consumership to separate themselves from the competition. Beachslam originated in Santa Cruz in 2015, but relocated to Sonja’s Country Inn due to conflict of interest with the venue. For the second season there will be shows every second Saturday of the month.

Stockton – Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of the Northern California Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney in California’s 9th District.

“Taxpayers deserve the best quality at the best price,” said Michele Daugherty, President and CEO of ABC NorCal. “Kathryn Nance is a strong supporter of fair and open competition. The Associated Builders and Contractors and its close to 500 Northern California contractor members look forward to working with Kathryn Nance to promote new jobs and get our local economy moving again,”

Today ABC NorCal represents close to 500 companies across Northern California and trains over 300 apprentices per year in its five state and federally approved apprenticeship programs. Members and their employees are also offered Construction Craft Training, Green and Renewable Energy Training, Management and Supervisory Education, Safety, and Labor Compliance.

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19 year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units.

She is married to her husband of 10 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 23. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also serves as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

The 9th Congressional District includes parts of Eastern Contra Costa County, plus most of San Joaquin County and a small portion of Sacramento County.

Doug Hardcastle is the best candidate for the job of Contra Costa County Supervisor. He is an all-around upstanding citizen and servant to his country and community. Doug served his country in the military; public office in his community, and owns a business in the county.

Doug is a proven leader and is not afraid to take on the tough issues. His combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa is unsurpassed by no other candidate.

Doug Hardcastle has been the first candidate to take immediate action on the incumbent by speaking out against the 33% pay increase that she voted to give herself. This was one example of continued wasteful spending by the county. Fortunately, the incumbent backed out before the increase could be put in place.

We need to elect Doug Hardcastle June 7th, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

The six candidates for county supervisor representing East County’s District 3 agreed on the need to protect the Delta and improve public safety and transportation at a recent League of Women Voters debate. They differed, however, in their priorities if given the opportunity to replace Mary Piepho, who is not running for re-election after 11 year on the Board of Supervisors.

Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr said his top priority, based on what he’s heard from his constituents, is public safety. “We’ve always maintained our police force at a level to keep our community safe,” he said. “And that starts at the county with the county sheriff.”

To provide that level of safety in the unincorporated areas of the county, compensation for sheriff’s deputies needs to be increased, he said. “I’ve looked at those budgets and where the pay rates are, and they are not meeting the needs of the residents of the county,” said Barr.

East Bay Regional Park District board member Diane Burgis, who is also a former Oakley City Council member and executive director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, is focused on environmental issues. Like the other candidates, she believes the Delta’s water quality will suffer if the state goes through with its plan to construct tunnels siphoning water from north of the Delta and sending it to central and southern California.

“District 3 deserves and needs a county supervisor that’s going to be a champion for the Delta, and make sure that we are a voice making sure that Delta tunnel is not built and our water is protected,” said Burgis.

Oakley City Councilman Doug Hardcastle’s main focus is fiscal responsibility in government. Like many, he was outraged when the supervisors approved a $32,000 pay raise for themselves before being pressured to reduce it to a 12 percent pay hike.

“I will bring more financial stability” if elected, Hardcastle said. “Not to go after people’s wages or anything, but there’s always waste. [We need to] look at it like you would your own house or whatever. You’re going to make that dollar go as best you can. You’re not going to be frivolous with your own money. We’ve got to treat that money like our money and not government money.”

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, who is a former Tracy police officer, shares Barr’s interest in improving public safety by increasing compensation for sheriff’s deputies and firefighters.

“[I’m] seeing we don’t have enough firefighters, we don’t have enough fire stations to cover 250 square miles, over 100,000 people,” said Harper. “Looking at the police out there, knowing the sheriff’s department is going to be used as a training ground because they don’t have the proper pay and benefits.”

Antioch’s rate of violent crime is nearly twice as high as the California average, according to Neighborhood Scout. Harper acknowledged that the increase in low-income Section 8 housing in the city has contributed to the problem.

“There’s a need not only for affordable housing, but for safe housing,” he said.

Odessa Lefrancois, president of the East County Branch of the NAACP for six years, and a retired Navy veteran who works for the county as a respiratory therapist, wants more governmental social service programs in East County.

“I’ve sat back and looked at the county, studied the budget and kind of realized that a lot of the resources, especially after I moved out to far East Contra Costa County, haven’t been allocated out in that area,” she said. “When I … see how people are treated in one part of the county versus another part of the county, and we’re all paying property taxes, and we don’t have the same resources, and people are actually sitting on Highway 4 a lot longer. We’re not able to live, play and worship in a community that we actually would like to be in.”

Antioch City Councilwoman Monica Wilson shares Lefrancois’ desire to increase government services in East County.

“I believe that it’s time for East Contra Costa to have the access to job training, affordable health care, education, economic development,” she said. “[H]ow do we support [East County’s] industry and make sure that they are surviving, that they can hire more? And also look at industries such as advanced manufacturing, biomedical and energy. And finally, people want to come home to safe communities. They want to come home, raise their kids, have a wonderful life and still feel safe.”

The candidates also had varying stories of how they decided to run for office.

Barr said a friend suggested he apply for a vacancy on the school board, which he did and then was elected to another term. “I think my ability to work with people, solve problems and with my financial background, I made a good candidate,” he said. “And that’s why I’m in politics today and serve now on the City Council.”

Burgis said that she is a divorced mother of three boys under 10. “[A]nd I wanted to live in a place that I could be proud of, where they would be safe and they could go to good schools,” she said. “The reason why I’m running for county supervisor is that I have this regional experience. I have this really strong experience with the Delta. I have strong shoulders, a compassionate heart, I’m really smart and I want to make a difference in my community.”

Hardcastle said he was motivated to run after a confrontation with Piepho over the supervisors’ initial pay raise.

“When the Board of Supervisors voted to give themselves a $30,000 a year raise, I was furious,” he said. “I told one of the supervisors that I serve on many boards [with that I] was going to run against this person. She said, ‘Well, why?’ I said, ‘I think you’ve lost touch with the people that you’re supposed to serve.’ When we take a position in public service, it’s service. It’s not to make ourselves any better, not to financially make our lives better. It’s to serve the people out there. So, like I said, when they voted for the $30,000 a year raise, I said, ‘You’ve lost touch because there’s a lot of people that you serve that don’t even make $30,000 a year.

Harper said his motivation for running for office is simple.

“I just want to help people,” he said. “I’ve never lost an election. When you win an election they call you a politician. I don’t want to be a politician. I just want to help people. I served in law enforcement for 24 years. I started off as a police dispatcher, worked my way up through the ranks. I volunteered for the school attendance review board for the high school. I’m now teaching part-time at the local high school. And I’m training up the next generation of police officers. My family was in ministry. I am a minister. And it is in my heart to help people.”

Lefrancois said there are two types of people in the world – doers and complainers – and she’s the former.

“I learned a long time ago that you can sit around and complain about things, or you can be somebody that actually makes things happen,” she said. “Twenty-one years I spent on active duty in the military, and that’s the lesson that I learned. I think I bring leadership and accountability, responsibility and a dedication to make something happen. Because it isn’t about me. It’s about making sure that every resident out in far East Contra Costa has a say in how their dollars are spent and what type of life they should have.”

Wilson got involved after struggling during the Great Recession.

“Back in the early ‘70s when my parents moved to the Bay Area, they were able to buy a home, raise three kids and had jobs that paid affordable wages,” she said. “Fast forward 2008, I go to buy my home, two weeks later the economy crashed, I lose my job. I used a lot of my savings to keep myself afloat. So I got involved in my community. I eventually was appointed to the Economic Development Commission.

“And then eventually I ran for the City Council. I ran for a seat I wasn’t supposed to win. And I went out there and I worked really hard to let the community know who I was and I was serious about running. I now currently work for the Workforce Development Board. I work with a lot of people in the community ranging from 16 all the way up to people in their 60s and 70s making sure that they have job training available to them so they can get jobs that pay them livable wages.”

The entire candidates’ forum can be viewed on Contra Costa TV. CCTV is available to AT&T U-verse customers on Channel 99, on Channel 27 for Comcast customers and on Channel 32 for Wave customers in Concord. Following is the schedule for the remainder of May: Sundays at 9:00 AM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, Wednesdays at 12:00 PM and Fridays at 3:00 PM.

The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the top two face off in the General Election in November.

Nearly two hundred people joined the East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) in Concord on Friday to celebrate the 16th Annual Small Business Awards in conjunction with National Small Business Week.

The Awards were hosted by the EBLC, along with Title Sponsor Wells Fargo, and honored twelve small businesses selected by their local Chamber of Commerce that exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, hard work, and community.

“Today we honor a law firm, two auto shops, a theater company, a pharmacy, a clothing boutique, and many more. Each different but all grounded in the desire to help the community,” said Kristin Connelly, President & CEO of the EBLC. “The diversity represented by these businesses highlight the diversity that makes the East Bay so dynamic.”

See the entire list, below.

Honorees were recognized for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, enduring a recession thanks to sheer determination and brilliant marketing, providing much needed services to the vulnerable, bringing world class performances to our backyard, getting to know each of their customers by name, serving the best pasta in town, and caring deeply for the communities they serve.

We are thankful to have many innovative businesses and growing opportunities here in the East Bay—something recognized by Alex Wilcox, the CEO of JetSuite, who provided the event’s keynote address.

JetSuite X, the newly-established program of JetSuite, chose Concord’s Buchanan Field as the location to help launch their new service.

“By far, the East Bay opened its arms the widest,” said Wilcox. “The community made clear that they wanted JetSuite X here and they did everything they could to help us bring commercial flights to Concord after more than 20 years.”

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier also took the stage and shared his unique perspective as both a longtime elected official and a former small business owner.

“Small businesses create more than 50 percent of the jobs in California, but they are also a very important part of the cohesiveness of a healthy community,” said Congressman DeSaulnier as he reflected on his time managing restaurants across the Bay Area.

The EBLC could not agree more with Congressman DeSaulnier. These determined, creative, and community-driven businesses make the East Bay an incredible place to live and work and we were thrilled to help honor them.

“And though she be little, she be fierce,” said Honoree Susie Falk of the California Shakespeare Theater during her acceptance speech.

A line worth repeating as Small Business Week comes to a close and we continue to honor the small businesses that make such a big difference in our community every day of the year.

ABOUT THE EAST BAY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) is a private-sector, public-policy organization that advocates on issues affecting economic vitality and quality of life and represents leaders of business, industry, education, government, and the nonprofit community. For more information visit www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com.

On Thursday, U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA11), issued the following statement about his personal health.

“Last summer, I was diagnosed with the most common leukemia in the world, a cancer named Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). I recently completed aggressive chemotherapy. I feel fortunate that I had a positive response to this treatment, and that neither CLL nor the treatment impacted my professional work.

CLL is a chronic disorder many Americans face, which doctors liken to diabetes and hypertension. While CLL cannot currently be completely cured, incredible breakthroughs, medical advancements and cutting edge therapies are allowing it to be managed over a lifetime. As a result of these developments, there are approximately 1.2 million Americans, like myself, living long, full lives with blood cancer.

Before sharing my diagnosis, I had much to consider personally and professionally. My doctors assured me that people with CLL, myself included, could continue to work and function at a high level. The medical professionals were right; I have been able to go home every weekend, except one, logging over 170,000 miles flown, held 14 town halls, had meetings with thousands of constituents, and maintained a 99.1% voting average in my first session of Congress.

By publicly sharing my story, I hope to add my voice to the growing number of people fighting cancer and the other chronic conditions so many families confront. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of our district, and do so stronger and with a better understanding having faced this experience.”

DeSaulnier represents most of Contra Costa County in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of California Congresswoman Mimi Walters in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.

“California needs capable leaders with the knowledge and experience to get things done in Congress. That’s why I’m proud to endorse and support Kathryn Nance in California’s 9th Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Walters. “Her lifelong ties to her district, as well as her 19 years of experience with the Stockton Police Department, widely known as one of the toughest beats in the state, give her the experience to represent her district effectively as well as the backbone to stand up to D.C special interests. I need a partner in Congress who will work to get things done, and that’s why Kathryn Nance has my full support.”

Walters was elected to Congress in 2014 to represent California’s 45th Congressional District, and was subsequently elected by her colleagues as the Freshman Class Representative to the House Republican Conference leadership team.

The 9th Congressional District encompasses the majority of San Joaquin County, most of Eastern Contra Costa County and the City of Galt in Sacramento County.

“I am honored to have the support of Congresswoman Mimi Walters and looking forward to working with her in Congress,” said Nance. “From agriculture to terrorism, Jerry McNerney has represented liberal out of touch values for far too long. I will be the common sense voice this District wants and needs.”

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19-year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units. She is married to her husband of 11 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 24. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also served as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.